Is this normal?

[hettie]

My son who has had cancer twice. He has a lot of residual problems fibromyalgia, chronic tiredness, stomach problems, headaches, feeling generally unwell.

His bloods have been done as TSH 1.1 and T4 20.1. He lost 5 stone from the end of last year to the beginning of this year, with no explanations. His hair is coming out. Any advice?

[shaws Administrator]

I'm sorry you're son has had cancer twice so it must be a big worry for both of you. Regarding your post it sounds as if he could be hyperthyroid. Has he had thyroid antibodies checked?

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin....

If he gets a new blood test for thyroid hormones, i.e. TSH, T3, T4, Free T4 and Free T3 plus Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. The test should be as early as possible, fasting (he can drink water). If on thyroid hormones a gap of 24 hours should be allowed between the last dose and the test.

Get a copy of the results, with the ranges, and post on a new question for comments.

[hettie in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much for your response. He has been having terrible problems with his stomach, losing 5 stones very quickly. But getting this sorted is my priority. His folic acid was low.

[Clutter]

Hettie, your son hasn't got a thyroid issue, TSH 1.1 is low-normal, and FT4 20 is near the top of most ranges. His thyroid levels are extraordinarily good.

Re the weightloss, your son needs to be seen by a gastroenterologist for investigation and he should have ferritin, zinc, vitamin D, B12 and folate tested. Low/deficient levels can cause significant hair loss, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood.

I hope your son's doctors can help him feel well soon.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Shonnyuk]

Hi... really sorry to hear about your son.

I've had breast cancer twice ...at 35 and 38. I'm now 42.

September this year I was diagnosed as hypo.. (my tsh was 5.5 and antibodies very high.. might be an idea to get these tested).

Could it be related to your son's medication? I take anti cancer drugs that did initially cause weight issues.

[hettie in reply to Shonnyuk]

Hi and thank you for very response. His cancer appeared at age 16 but wasn't picked up until he was 18 and that's because I took him down to A & E he was at stage 3. Since then he hasn't had what one would call a normal life, the cancer came back after 2 years. since then he has had such a lot of health issues, it breaks my heart. I just wish he could lead the young care free life that one would expect. But thank you once again.

[Shonnyuk]

I'm so sorry..far far too young... xx